Contract labourer dies

PARADIP: A contract labourer of the DAP plant of Paradeep Phosphate Ltd (PPL) fell to death on the plant premises on Thursday.Sources said Khirod Swain (32) of Malipur village under Ersama police limits fell down while working in the plant and died on the spot.Though the cause of the fall is yet to be ascertained, his family members suspected that he fell due to sunstroke. The labourers of the plant alleged that even as the Government had banned work between 11 am and 3 pm, PPL authorities continued their production during these hours. “Heat stroke might be the reason behind Khirod’s death,” Khirod’s relative alleged.Although he was rushed to PPL hospital in a critical condition, doctors declared him brought dead. Following the incident, labourers gheraoed the PPL higher officials demanding compensation to the bereaved family. The agitation also affected plant production.